Primary School | Kinder – 5th

Building connections
through inquiry.

Visit

Students taking action as a result of their learning.

Charged with understanding how each traditional subject connects together as well as connects to our global world today, our students explore through inquiry, are encouraged to ask tough questions, and think critically as much about what their learning as about why they’re learning it. This International Baccalaureate approach emphasizes real-life situations, decision-making, problem solving, research, and, most importantly, action.

Quick Facts

i.lab equipment available to all students

60-70% Spanish in Kinder – 5th

Mandarin instruction begins in 3rd

Singapore Math

Cursive introduced in 2nd

Ongoing professional development for teachers

Primary School

Program
Highlights

IB Educated Teachers

Lead teachers and teacher assistants all participate in rigorous training throughout the year on best practices and trends in both the IB and general education. Our teachers call 13 different countries across the world home, and 7 members of our academic staff are global International Baccalaureate consultants, site visitors and workshop leaders.

Multilingual Learning

Primary students are immersed in Spanish 70-80% of their time in the classroom, and English for the remainder. Students learn how to read and write in both Spanish and English, and also learn how to write in cursive, a skill that has nearly disappeared in schools today. With the introduction of Mandarin instruction in 3rd grade, Magellan students build communication skills in the top three spoken languages in the world: Spanish, English and Mandarin.

Design Thinking

Open to all students at any time of the day, the i.lab allows students to put into practice the connection of their imagination with their math and science skills. Weekly Design classes teach kids how to use everything from glass etching tools to sewing machines, and introduces them to project planning tools which help them think through each step of their project. The i.lab is a place where students are encouraged to try, fail, fix and try again.

Math & Science

Our students focus not only on learning fundamental math and science from a functional standpoint, but also explore real world applications. Through the use of a variety of resources including Singapore Math, our students explore math from three directions: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. Projects in science providing students the opportunity to build additional skills such as communication, collaboration and teamwork through projects like designing simple machines in Kinder, full product life-cycle development in 2nd grade, and a final year long research project in 5th grade.

Differentiated Learning

Smaller class sizes and additional teaching assistants through 2nd grade allow teachers to teach to individual students, and not just to the whole class. From classroom layout to individual time with students, as well as team work, teachers have the opportunity to differentiate their teaching style to accommodate all classroom learning styles.

The Arts

Building a deep appreciation for non-verbal communication and the importance that the arts play in cultural and human expression, students take weekly music classes where they play everything from the piano to the cello. They work all sides of the brain as they sing in English and Spanish, learn cultural dances and build rhythm. Several times a year students are able to share what they’ve learned with the greater Magellan community.

Connecting Outdoors

Time outdoors is just as important to the time spent inside the classroom. Our students enjoy time outside with the freedom to play, run and imagine at least twice two to three times a day. They’re also guided through coordinated outdoor classes several times a week where they practice teamwork, reinforce social connections, cooperate with others, develop their confidence, build motor skills and burn off a little extra energy.

Final PYP Exhibition Project

5th grade students draw upon the cumulative skills acquired during their primary years to conduct an extended, in-depth, collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition. Student teams are guided by a mentor who supports deep analysis, problem solving and action as they go in-depth into real life issues or problems. At the final Exhibition, student teams present their work to the Austin community through written and verbal presentations (in both English and Spanish).
IB Educated Teachers

Lead teachers and teacher assistants all participate in rigorous training throughout the year on best practices and trends in both the IB and general education. Our teachers call 13 different countries across the world home, and 7 members of our academic staff are global International Baccalaureate consultants, site visitors and workshop leaders.

Design Thinking
Open to all students at any time of the day, the i.lab allows students to put into practice the connection of their imagination with their math and science skills. Weekly Design classes teach kids how to use everything from glass etching tools to sewing machines, and introduces them to project planning tools which help them think through each step of their project. The i.lab is a place where students are encouraged to try, fail, fix and try again.
Differentiated Learning
Smaller class sizes and additional teaching assistants through 2nd grade allow teachers to teach to individual students, and not just to the whole class. From classroom layout to individual time with students, as well as team work, teachers have the opportunity to differentiate their teaching style to accommodate all classroom learning styles.
Multilingual Learning
Primary students are immersed in Spanish 70-80% of their time in the classroom, and English for the remainder. Students learn how to read and write in both Spanish and English, and also learn how to write in cursive, a skill that has nearly disappeared in schools today. With the introduction of Mandarin instruction in 3rd grade, Magellan students build communication skills in the top three spoken languages in the world: Spanish, English and Mandarin.
Math & Science

Our students focus not only on learning fundamental math and science from a functional standpoint, but also explore real world applications. Through the use of a variety of resources including Singapore Math, our students explore math from three directions: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. Projects in science providing students the opportunity to build additional skills such as communication, collaboration and teamwork through projects like designing simple machines in Kinder, full product life-cycle development in 2nd grade, and a final year long research project in 5th grade.

The Arts
Building a deep appreciation for non-verbal communication and the importance that the arts play in cultural and human expression, students take weekly music classes where they play everything from the piano to the cello. They work all sides of the brain as they sing in English and Spanish, learn cultural dances and build rhythm. Several times a year students are able to share what they’ve learned with the greater Magellan community.
Connecting Outdoors

Time outdoors is just as important to the time spent inside the classroom. Our students enjoy time outside with the freedom to play, run and imagine at least twice two to three times a day. They’re also guided through coordinated outdoor classes several times a week where they practice teamwork, reinforce social connections, cooperate with others, develop their confidence, build motor skills and burn off a little extra energy.

Final PYP Exhibition Project
5th grade students draw upon the cumulative skills acquired during their primary years to conduct an extended, in-depth, collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition. Student teams are guided by a mentor who supports deep analysis, problem solving and action as they go in-depth into real life issues or problems. At the final Exhibition, student teams present their work to the Austin community through written and verbal presentations (in both English and Spanish).

Meet the
Students

Meet Asher. He is working super hard at his favorite subject – math – to be prepared to be either an architect or a scientist when he grows up. When he’s not at school, he’s staying active and getting stronger in the pool and on the soccer field. He also likes to clean up trash to help our environment and build tall towers for his little brother, Isaac!

Meet Sydney. When she grows up, she wants to be a doctor! She loves studying all Units of Inquiry where she learns concepts and builds skills and understanding across disciplines. She’s a member of our volleyball, basketball and cross country teams and a writer for the student newspaper. Last year, she won 1st place in the El Niño y El Cuento writing contest! Outside of Magellan, she plays club soccer for Lonestar and piano and likes to volunteer!

Meet Marlowe. She’s been learning at Magellan since PP3 and loves going to school every day. Her favorite subjects are art and the i.lab, both which are helping her prepare to be a scientist when she grows up. When she’s not at Magellan, she enjoys parkour, performing flamenco and “hitting on the gong” at Rise Against Hunger volunteer event!

Meet Theo! When he grows, up, he wants to be a policeman… or an astronaut… or a scientist. He’s not sure yet but working hard at Magellan to explore them all. Theo’s favorite experiences at Magellan include subtraction and playing with his friends. He’s excited about learning how to play the violin this year and hopes to play it for his friends during music class and during the spring concert.

Meet Esmee. She’s been a student at Magellan since PP3, and her very favorite subject is art with Mr. Dan because “art fills your heart”! Her favorite memory from last year was singing “Chumbala” at the Winter Concert, and she also enjoys parkour and dance after school. When Esmee grows up, she wants to be a paleontologist!

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